A47584:1471
The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland
The history of the reformation of the Church of Scotland containing five books : together with some treatises conducing to the history.The historie of the reformation of the Church of Scotland containing five books : together with some treatises conducing to the history.
London: printed by John Raworth for George Thomason and Octavian Pullen, 1644
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Letter.
AN Orator and Gods Messenger also might justly require of you now (by Gods hand promoted to high dignity) A motherly pity upon your subjects, A justice inflexible to be used against murderers and common oppressors, A heart void of avarice and partiality, A mind studious and careful for maintenance of that Realm and Common-wealth (above whom God hath placed you) and by it hath made you honourable,1 with the rest of virtues, which not only Gods Scriptures, but also Writers (illuminated only with the light of Nature) require in Gods Rulers. But vain it is to crave reformation of manners, where Religion is corrupted; for like as a man cannot do the office of a man, till first he have a being and life,2 so to work works pleasant in the sight of God the Father, can no man do without the Spirit of Jesus Christ, which doth not abide in the hearts of Idolaters: And therefore the most godly Princes Josiah, Hezekiah, and Jehoshaphat, seeking Gods favour to rest upon them and upon their people,3 before all things, began to reform the Religion; for it is as the stomach within the body, which, if it be corrupted, of necessity it infecteth the whole body: And therefore (often I repeat that, which to be done is most necessary) if your Majesty pretend to reign with Christ Jesus, Then it behoveth you to take care of his true Religion, which this day within your Realm is so deformed,4 that no part of Christs Ordinances remain in their first strength, and original purity; which (I praise God) to me is less difficile to prove then dangerous to speak: And yet neither the one nor the other I fear, partly because the love of eternal life quencheth the terror of temporal death, and partly because I would with Saint Paul, wish my self accursed from Christ (as touching earthly pleasure) for the salvation of my brethren, and illumination of your Majesty; which thing, Work, and very deed, and not bare writing, shall witness and declare, if I may purchase the liberty of tongue, but forty days only.